Raul has a thigh injury (Allsport).

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Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho insists Raul is not irreplaceable even if he fails to recover from a groin injury in time for their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

The Spanish golden boy aggravated the old injury during Spain's second-round victory over the Republic of Ireland in a penalty shoot-out in Suwon.

Raul was forced to come off in the second half and now Spain will wait to se how the injury improves over the next couple of days as they continue preparations for their last-eight game against either Italy or South Korea in Gwangju.

Camacho said: "Even if he can't play, there would be no problem. Of course, he's an important man in the team, but there are many players who can take his place."

Deportivo La Coruna's Diego Tristan would be the most likely replacement and an able deputy, but Spain will still do everything to get the Real Madrid man fit - despite Camacho's comments.

Team doctor Genaro Borras said: "It is only a minor injury so it is not too critical. We will be observing the injury for the next 48 hours and in the meantime Raul will do some light exercises.

"If there is no significant progress, we will have him X-rayed. If he complains of pain he will not play, but I believe Raul could play even if he doesn't recover fully."

Meanwhile David Albelda has definitely been ruled out and may even miss the rest of the tournament.

Albelda, who replaced Fernando Morientes in the second half against the Irish, had to come off at the end of normal time with a horror injury, which left Spain with just 10 men for the whole of extra-time.

He was taken to hospital in Seoul after suffering a twisted testicle in a challenge and underwent tests.

Now the Spanish fear he may be ruled out of the rest of the World Cup.

Albelda said: "I am not depressed, but I would have liked to have played now my moment has arrived.

"The problem is that one of my testicles has twisted and it has obstructed the vein that carries the blood, which has produced some bleeding and inflammation."

The midfielder had previously been suffering from pelvic problems which may require surgery before next season, but insists this was a separate problem.

"This has nothing to do with the pelvic trouble. I will have to rest for a few days but it doesn't need any further treatment," he added.